Riparian settlements in danger as India releases water into River Sutlej

MULTAN/BUREWALA: A medium to high flood is feared in the adjoining areas of the River Sutlej belt after India released water into Pakistan, officials confirmed on Monday.

The rising water levels are expected to affect several riparian settlements, raising concerns for local populations and authorities alike.Floodwaters are likely to impact areas along the Sutlej, particularly Lodhran, Kehror Pacca, and neighbouring regions. Thousands of people have settled in these riverine zones, often illegally, along with their livestock. The district administration has appealed to residents to move to safer areas, given the uncertainty surrounding the scale of the incoming flood.

Last year, in 2023, more than 40 villages were inundated when India discharged nearly 400,000 cusecs of water through the Ganda Singhwala headworks. That flood devastated rural settlements in Arifwala, Bahawalnagar, and Chishtian. At the time, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) had issued warnings for Lodhran and Vehari.

Talking to The News, Commissioner Amir Karim Khan said there was no immediate risk of flood in settled areas of Lodhran district, but encroachments along the river remained highly vulnerable. He noted that the divisional administration had already established flood relief camps in prone zones and was closely monitoring developments.

“The main challenge arises from encroachments on the natural routes of the river,” he said, adding that these obstructions complicate the flood management process.Officials confirmed that the Punjab Chief Minister had directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and ensure preparedness for low, medium, and high flood situations.

Lodhran Irrigation XEN Rizwan Akram told The News that India often releases over 100,000 cusecs of water into the Sutlej River’s encroached belt. Current estimates suggest that more than 70,000 cusecs of floodwater are expected in the river in the coming days.

The Sutlej forms part of the northern boundary of Lodhran district and has long influenced its geography, agriculture, and environment. Irrigation officials emphasized that frequent water releases from India, especially during the monsoon season, remain a persistent threat to local communities.

Experts warn that illegal encroachments on the riverbed significantly worsen flood risks. Villagers have occupied the old bed of the Sutlej with houses, shops, brick kilns, and farmland. This not only narrows the natural channel but also weakens protective bunds and embankments.

Following practices have reduced the river’s carrying capacity, increase pressure on embankments, and cause breaches during heavy flooding: Farmers cultivate crops on the dry bed of the river when water levels are low, leaving little space for natural flows during peak discharge; houses, shops, and entire villages have been built along the floodplain, and brick kilns, sand mining, and small factories operate within the river’s protective zone, eating into its belt.

They also disrupt natural drainage systems, leading to spillover into towns and villages. For irrigation and flood control departments, this creates immense challenges in maintaining the river’s safety zone.

Flood experts note that during heavy monsoon rains, reservoirs such as India’s Bhakra and Pong dams often reach their storage limits. To prevent structural damage, Indian authorities release excess water downstream through spillways. While this protects dam infrastructure, it significantly raises flood risks for communities in Pakistan.

In both 2023 and 2024, villages with high levels of encroachment suffered the most damage because the river was not allowed its natural space. Officials and experts argue that unless strict laws are enacted to curb illegal occupation of the Sutlej’s floodplain, the cycle of destruction will continue.

Relief camps have already been set up in vulnerable areas, and the administration has assured that emergency supplies and evacuation plans are in place. However, long-term solutions are urgently required.Flood specialists recommend that the government introduce a comprehensive policy to:Remove illegal encroachments from the river’s natural course.